The Grapes of Wrath

In these communities, it is a "right" of hungry people to be fed. To what extent does this right differentiate the roadside communities form the world existing outside of these communities and illustrate Steinbeck's Socialist ideals?

Chapter 17

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mike r #332758
on 8/6/2013 10:37 PM

Last updated by
Aslan
on 8/8/2013 12:13 AM

Answers
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This chapter focuses on the society of the migrant workers, a somewhat idealized society that forms spontaneously. It is an essentially communal society, one with rules and regulations determining polite behavior and enabling the various, disparate families to find common interests. In essence, Steinbeck uses the campground life to build a utopian society in which ostentatious display of wealth is shunned, equality reigns and no real ruling class emerges. The closest to a ruling class that emerges is the elderly, who rule from wisdom and experience. Outside this little socialist world people down on their luck are in a bad way. Being fed isn't a right rather than a privilege. Steinbeck wished to have these sharecroppers insulate themselves from starvation and crime simply by banding together.